US and Iran tensions remain unresolved despite Trumps upcoming visit to China

May 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

US and Iran tensions remain unresolved despite Trumps upcoming visit to China

US President Donald Trump Embarks on Three-Day Visit to China, Amid Tensions with Iran and Taiwan

Washington D.C. - US President Donald Trump departed for Beijing on Tuesday, embarking on a three-day state visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The trip comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Iran.

During his departure from Washington D.C., Trump stated that the US does not require China’s assistance in resolving the conflict in Iran. He also expressed confidence that the US will ultimately emerge victorious, regardless of the outcome.

Trump’s visit to Beijing is expected to focus on trade and economic issues, with the US seeking to sign deals with China to increase purchases of US food and aircraft. The Trump administration has proposed establishing a “Board of Trade” with China to address differences between the two countries.

The trip also marks an opportunity for Trump to discuss tensions with Taiwan, which has been a point of contention between the US and China. Beijing has expressed displeasure with US plans to sell weapons to the self-governing island, while the US has authorized a $11bn arms package for Taiwan.

Trump’s visit to China is seen as a significant event in the ongoing US-China rivalry, particularly given the recent visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Beijing. The trip will be the first face-to-face exchange between Trump and Xi since their meeting at the APEC summit in October 2025.

The meetings are expected to take place on Wednesday evening, followed by a state banquet on Thursday and a working lunch with Xi on Friday.

Source: Al Jazeera